--- title: "Nissan Xterra and Pathfinder Are Coming Back as Body-on-Frame, Hybrid SUVs: Report" date: "2025-08-21" modified: "2025-08-21" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/nissan-xterra-and-pathfinder-are-coming-back-as-body-on-frame-hybrid-suvs-report" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Nissan News" tags: - "Nissan" - "Off-Road" - "suv/crossover" --- # Nissan Xterra and Pathfinder Are Coming Back as Body-on-Frame, Hybrid SUVs: Report ![Nissan Xterra]() *\Nissan\* When I think of the [Nissan]() Xterra SUV, I think of it in bright yellow and jumping over dunes as I "drove" it on *[4x4 Evo]()* for the Sega Dreamcast. I wasn't of driving age when the popular off-roader first came out, but according to a new report, I may have the chance to drive one after all in the not-so-distant future. According to *[Automotive News]()*, the Japanese automaker shared the news of the Xterra and Pathfinder's return to Nissan's lineup at its national dealer meeting in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Per the outlet, the Xterra was described as a "rugged, affordable midsize SUV" that'll go on sale in 2028. Nissan Americas Chairman Christian Meunier reportedly shared images of a design study performed by the automaker, teasing a boxy, adventure-ready SUV with an "upright grille and squarish headlights." According to the report, these sketches are tied to new, upcoming body-on-frame models like the Xterra, Pathfinder, and Infiniti QX60 SUVs, as well as the Frontier pickup truck. ![]() ![]() “We are laser-focused on product \[and\] we are just getting started,” Meunier told attendees, according to *AN*. “We have done a better job of planning, making sure the right cars are in the right place.” Specs for individual vehicles were not divulged, but the report claims that the upcoming Xterra is expected to feature a hybrid V6 engine with a range extender capable of 75 miles of electric-only driving. These vehicles are expected to be built at the automaker's Canton, Mississippi, factory, where the Frontier is currently built. The annual meeting, which featured [new Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa]() and was attended by 2,500 guests, also revealed other future plans by the automaker, including a [Skyline-based Infiniti sedan with a manual transmission](), an electrified Rogue crossover, and other updates across the Nissan and Infiniti lineup. After years of slumping sales and a failed merger with Honda, Nissan will be doing all it can to keep dealers and customers on its side, and hope that its new, revamped products can get her quickly enough to avoid more casualties. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()